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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Pritpal Question by Pritpal on May 08, 2024Hindi
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I'm earning only 22500 monthly. Have a investment in plots i bought in 2021 for 11 lakhs. I also have 3000 SIP in Axis small cap fund and 5000 sip in Mirae asset emerging blue chip fund since 2020. Invested 6 lakhs in stock market (Jio finance, Suzlon, IDFC BANK, IRFC, RVNL, Avantel, since Dec-2023). No job security - No other income. I have 1 son and a handicapped wife. What can I do to plan for my child's higher education. We are both 50 year's old and our son is just 8. What should I do?????

Ans: Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
You're facing the challenge of providing for your child's higher education amidst uncertain job security and limited income. Your investments in plots, mutual funds, and stocks reflect a proactive approach, but without job security, stability is a concern.

Prioritizing Stability and Growth
Given your age, job uncertainty, and lack of expertise in direct equity, it's wise to focus on stability and growth through mutual funds. Direct equity demands time and expertise, which might not align with your current circumstances.

Harnessing the Power of Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer diversification, professional management, and accessibility, making them suitable for your situation. By continuing your SIPs and consolidating your investments into well-managed funds, you can benefit from long-term growth potential.

Evaluating Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
Review your existing mutual fund investments to ensure they align with your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. Consider reallocating assets if needed to optimize growth while managing risk effectively.

Planning for Your Child's Education
Calculate the estimated cost of your child's higher education based on current expenses and projected inflation. Set a realistic goal and devise an investment strategy to achieve it within the desired timeframe.

Adopting a Goal-Oriented Approach
Tailor your investment strategy to meet the specific needs of your child's education. Allocate funds to diversified mutual funds with proven track records, focusing on growth-oriented schemes aligned with your risk profile.

Mitigating Risks and Maximizing Returns
Diversify your mutual fund portfolio across asset classes and fund categories to reduce risk and enhance returns. Regularly monitor your investments and make necessary adjustments to stay on track towards your goals.

Seeking Professional Guidance
Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your needs and circumstances. A CFP can provide personalized advice and guide you towards making informed investment decisions.

Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of planning for your child's education amidst financial uncertainties requires a strategic approach. By prioritizing stability, harnessing the potential of mutual funds, and seeking professional guidance, you can build a solid foundation for your child's future education.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - May 18, 2024 | Answered on May 18, 2024
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Sir ji, Thank you for your valuable advice. I really appreciate it. My previous SIP's are going well. Am thinking about closing the Mirae asset emerging blue chip fund and start a SIP and LUMP SUM in a Flexi cap and a good MID CAP fund. Could you please suggest some good options. Will be very greatful for the same.
Ans: Considering a switch from Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund can be a good idea! Here's why:

Flexi-Cap & Mid-Cap Options: These funds offer wider investment choices compared to a Large & Mid-Cap fund. Actively managed funds involve experienced fund managers who try to pick stocks to outperform the market. Actively managed funds come with higher fees compared to passively managed funds.

SIP & Lump Sum: A combination of SIP and lump sum can be a good strategy. SIPs benefit from rupee-cost averaging, while a lump sum allows you to take advantage of potential market opportunities.

Choosing Funds:

Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They can assess your risk tolerance and suggest suitable Flexi-Cap and Mid-Cap fund options based on your goals.
Remember: Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 16, 2024Hindi
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Sir , i am 35 yrs old earing 55k monthly , I am married and 2 son . I have no saving no sip ,my expenses are 25 k monthly so can you tell me how can I save for my child's future education .
Ans: Given your monthly income, expenses, and family responsibilities, it's essential to start saving and investing for your child's future education. Here's a simple plan to help you get started:

Budgeting and Savings:

Track Expenses: Monitor your monthly expenses to identify areas where you can reduce spending and increase savings.
Emergency Fund: Build an emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months of expenses in a liquid and accessible form to handle unexpected expenses without tapping into your investments.
Start SIPs for Child's Education:

Investment Amount: Allocate a portion of your monthly savings towards SIPs in mutual funds to build a corpus for your child's education.
Asset Allocation: Consider a balanced allocation between equity and debt mutual funds based on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals.
Investment Duration: Start SIPs with a long-term perspective (e.g., 10-15 years) to benefit from the power of compounding and potential market growth.
Education Planning:

Calculate Future Expenses: Estimate the future cost of education for your children based on the current cost and expected inflation rate.
Investment Goal: Set a specific investment goal and target amount to achieve by the time your children reach college age.
Regular Review: Periodically review and adjust your SIPs and investment strategy to stay on track towards achieving your education savings goal.
Insurance Coverage:

Life Insurance: Ensure you have adequate life insurance coverage to provide financial security to your family in case of any unforeseen events.
Health Insurance: Invest in a comprehensive health insurance plan to cover medical expenses and ensure your family's well-being.
Recommendation:

Start Early: Begin investing as early as possible to benefit from the power of compounding and achieve your education savings goal.
Systematic Investment: Start SIPs in mutual funds to build a disciplined saving habit and accumulate wealth over time.
Financial Discipline: Maintain financial discipline, avoid unnecessary expenses, and stay committed to your investment plan to achieve your financial goals.
Consult with a financial advisor to create a personalized education savings plan tailored to your needs, helping you achieve your financial goals and secure your children's future.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 2024

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I am 36 yrs , working as a educator in govt college getting in hand 80k/month ,sip of 4500 ,pls suggest best investment plan for children higher education and corpus of 2 cr till 55
Ans: Planning for Your Children's Higher Education and Building a ?2 Crore Corpus
Understanding Your Goals and Current Financial Situation
Congratulations on prioritizing your children's education and financial security. With your dedication and a well-structured plan, achieving a corpus of ?2 crore by the age of 55 is feasible.

Compliments on Your Responsible Approach
Your commitment to securing your children's future education is commendable. Your proactive approach to financial planning will undoubtedly benefit your family in the long run.

Evaluating Investment Options
SIP Investment:

Currently investing ?4,500 per month.
Consider increasing SIP amount gradually to align with your target corpus.
Income and Expenses:

Monthly in-hand income: ?80,000.
Assess your monthly expenses to identify surplus funds for investment.
Investment Horizon and Risk Profile:

Goal: Achieve ?2 crore corpus by age 55.
With a long-term horizon, a balanced approach with moderate risk is advisable.
Tailored Investment Strategies
Education Fund for Children:

Open a dedicated education fund for each child.
Allocate a portion of your monthly surplus towards these funds.
Diversified Investment Portfolio:

Consider a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid mutual funds.
Aim for a diversified portfolio to mitigate risk and optimize returns.
Systematic Investment Planning (SIP):

Increase SIP contributions annually to align with your financial goals.
Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio as needed.
Tax-Efficient Investments:

Explore tax-saving investment options like ELSS funds to optimize tax benefits.
Utilize tax-saving instruments effectively to maximize returns.
Emergency Fund Provision:

Maintain a separate emergency fund equivalent to at least 6-12 months of expenses.
Ensure liquidity to cover unforeseen expenses without impacting your investment corpus.
Monitoring and Reviewing Your Plan
Regular Portfolio Review:

Assess your portfolio's performance at least annually.
Make adjustments based on changing market conditions and financial goals.
Education Fund Tracking:

Monitor the growth of your children's education funds.
Adjust contributions as necessary to ensure they remain on track.
Financial Advisor Consultation:

Consider consulting a certified financial planner periodically.
Get personalized advice on optimizing your investment strategy.
Conclusion
By adopting a disciplined approach to investing and gradually increasing your SIP contributions, you can achieve your goal of building a ?2 crore corpus for your children's education and your retirement. Stay focused, review your progress regularly, and make informed decisions to ensure financial security for your family's future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 27, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello..I Am 33 and having one baby boy with an age 3 years.I earn 2 lacks per month and I have 20 lacks in post office,60 lacks form land and 15 lacks land.7 lacks in ppf and 25 lacks in mutual funds and 2 lacks in stocks .I am planning to retire at 40 .How to plan my kid education and future.
Ans: Planning for your child's education and future, especially with the goal of retiring at 40, is a significant and admirable task. Let's break down your financial situation and develop a comprehensive strategy to secure your child's education and ensure your family's financial stability.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
You earn Rs. 2 lakhs per month and have accumulated substantial savings and investments:

Rs. 20 lakhs in Post Office savings
Rs. 60 lakhs from land
Rs. 15 lakhs in another piece of land
Rs. 7 lakhs in PPF
Rs. 25 lakhs in mutual funds
Rs. 2 lakhs in stocks
These assets provide a strong foundation for achieving your financial goals.

Setting Clear Goals for Your Child's Education
The first step in planning your child's education is to set clear, achievable goals. Here are some key considerations:

Education Level: Decide if you want to cover expenses only for school or for higher education as well.

Type of Education: Consider whether you prefer local, national, or international education for your child.

Inflation: Education costs rise over time. Plan for inflation-adjusted costs.

Estimating Education Costs
Let's assume you aim for higher education, possibly international. You might need to plan for Rs. 50 lakhs to 1 crore for higher education by the time your child is ready.

Creating a Dedicated Education Fund
Creating a dedicated fund for your child's education is essential. This fund should be separate from your retirement savings. Here’s how you can do it:

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in Mutual Funds
Investing in mutual funds through a SIP can be an effective way to accumulate wealth for your child's education. Here's why:

Power of Compounding: Investing regularly over a long period allows your investments to grow exponentially.

Rupee Cost Averaging: SIPs help in averaging the purchase cost of mutual fund units, reducing the impact of market volatility.

Consider allocating a portion of your income towards a SIP specifically for your child's education. Given your financial situation, you could comfortably invest Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month in mutual funds.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
You already have Rs. 7 lakhs in PPF, which is excellent. PPF offers a safe and tax-efficient way to save for the long term. Continue contributing the maximum allowable amount annually (currently Rs. 1.5 lakhs). The PPF matures in 15 years, but you can extend it in blocks of 5 years. The compounded, tax-free returns will significantly boost your education fund.

Diversifying Your Investments
Diversification is crucial to managing risk and ensuring steady growth. Here's how you can diversify your investments:

Balanced Portfolio of Mutual Funds
Invest in a mix of equity, debt, and balanced mutual funds to create a well-rounded portfolio. Equity funds offer high growth potential, while debt funds provide stability and regular income. Balanced funds combine the best of both worlds, reducing risk and enhancing returns.

Direct Stocks
You have Rs. 2 lakhs in direct stocks. While direct stock investment can offer high returns, it comes with higher risk. Ensure you invest in well-researched, fundamentally strong companies. Diversify across sectors to mitigate risk.

Advantages of Mutual Funds over Direct Stocks
Diversification
Mutual Funds: Diversified across various sectors and companies, reducing risk.

Direct Stocks: Higher risk as investment is concentrated in a few stocks.

Professional Management
Mutual Funds: Managed by experienced fund managers who make informed decisions.

Direct Stocks: Requires individual research and management, which can be time-consuming and risky.

Systematic Investment
Mutual Funds: SIPs allow regular investments, promoting disciplined saving.

Direct Stocks: Requires lump-sum investment, which can be challenging to time correctly.

Risk Management
Mutual Funds: Spread risk across a wide range of assets, reducing volatility.

Direct Stocks: Higher volatility and risk due to concentration in individual stocks.

Convenience
Mutual Funds: Easy to invest in, with no need for constant monitoring.

Direct Stocks: Requires continuous monitoring and analysis, demanding more time and expertise.

Insurance for Financial Security
Ensuring your family's financial security involves adequate insurance coverage. Here are the key types of insurance you should consider:

Term Insurance
A term insurance policy provides financial protection to your family in case of your untimely demise. Given your income and responsibilities, consider a term insurance cover of at least Rs. 1 crore. This will ensure that your family can maintain their lifestyle and meet financial goals even in your absence.

Health Insurance
Having comprehensive health insurance is crucial. Ensure your health insurance covers your entire family adequately. With rising medical costs, a cover of Rs. 10-20 lakhs is advisable. You can also consider a super top-up policy for additional coverage at a lower premium.

Planning for Retirement at 40
Retiring at 40 is an ambitious goal and requires meticulous planning. Here’s how you can plan for it:

Estimate Retirement Corpus
Calculate the corpus required to maintain your lifestyle post-retirement. Consider factors like inflation, life expectancy, and medical costs. A rough estimate suggests you might need Rs. 5-6 crores to retire comfortably at 40, given your current lifestyle.

Aggressive Savings and Investments
Given your current savings and investments, you need to adopt an aggressive savings strategy. Here's how:

Maximize Savings: Save a significant portion of your monthly income. Aim for at least 50% savings rate, given your high income.

Invest Wisely: Allocate your savings to high-growth investments like equity mutual funds and direct stocks. Ensure a well-diversified portfolio to manage risk.

Building a Retirement Corpus with Mutual Funds
Long-Term Growth
Equity mutual funds, particularly those focused on growth, can provide substantial returns over the long term. By investing consistently through SIPs, you can build a significant retirement corpus.

Risk Mitigation
While equity funds offer high growth potential, it's essential to balance your portfolio with debt funds to mitigate risk. Debt funds provide stability and regular income, ensuring a balanced approach to retirement planning.

Asset Allocation
Proper asset allocation is crucial for building a retirement corpus. Diversify across equity, debt, and hybrid funds to create a portfolio that matches your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Retirement Income
Mutual funds can also be used to generate a regular income post-retirement. Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) allow you to withdraw a fixed amount periodically, providing a steady income stream.

Securing Child's Education with Mutual Funds
Long-Term Investment
Investing in mutual funds for your child's education allows you to benefit from long-term growth. Start early to take full advantage of compounding and market growth.

Goal-Based Funds
Choose funds that align with your education goals. For instance, equity funds for long-term growth and debt funds for stability as the goal approaches.

SIPs for Education Fund
Start a SIP dedicated to your child's education. This ensures disciplined saving and allows you to build a substantial corpus by the time your child is ready for higher education.

Practical Steps to Implement the Plan
Assess Your Financial Goals
Clearly define your financial goals, including retirement, child’s education, and other major expenses. This helps in creating a focused investment strategy.

Choose the Right Funds
Select mutual funds based on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals. A mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds can provide a balanced approach.

Start Early
The earlier you start investing, the more you benefit from compounding. Begin SIPs as soon as possible to maximize growth.

Regular Review
Regularly review your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals. Make adjustments as needed to stay on track.

Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund to cover at least 6-12 months of expenses. This provides a financial cushion in case of unexpected events.

Power of Compounding
The power of compounding is one of the most effective tools in wealth creation. By starting early and investing regularly, you can significantly grow your wealth. Compounding works best with long-term investments, where the returns generate further returns over time.

Avoiding Common Investment Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Lack of Diversification: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify across asset classes to manage risk.

Chasing High Returns: High returns often come with high risk. Ensure your investments align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Ignoring Inflation: Consider the impact of inflation on your investment returns and future expenses. Invest in instruments that beat inflation.

Emotional Investing: Avoid making investment decisions based on emotions. Stick to your financial plan and make informed decisions.

Final Insights
Building a retirement corpus and securing your child's education requires a strategic approach. Mutual funds offer numerous advantages, including diversification, professional management, and the power of compounding. They provide a flexible and efficient way to achieve your financial goals.

By investing in a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds, you can create a balanced portfolio that aligns with your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Start SIPs dedicated to your child's education and your retirement corpus to ensure disciplined saving and long-term growth.

Regularly review your financial plan and make adjustments as needed to stay on track. With a clear strategy and disciplined approach, you can achieve your financial goals and secure a bright future for your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2025
Money
Hi sir iam 38 years old my monthly hand in salary is 75000 i have lic and gold loan of around 4 lakhs paying 3 lic policies worth 50000 yearly, completed 5 years need to pay another 10 years had own house worth 35 lakhs, and 2 plots worth 15 lakhs and gold worth 10 lakhs pf worth 4.9 lakhs my wife is housewife and have only one son 2 years how should i plan for his education
Ans: At 38, with a 2-year-old son, your focus on his education planning is timely and thoughtful. You already hold a house, land, gold, LIC policies, and PF. Let us now assess your current situation and create a structured, simple plan for your son's education.

This response is long and detailed, as it offers you a complete, 360-degree direction.

Let’s begin.

Current Financial Snapshot Review

You are 38 years old with a take-home salary of Rs. 75,000 per month.

You own a house worth Rs. 35 lakhs and two plots worth Rs. 15 lakhs.

You also have gold worth Rs. 10 lakhs and EPF worth Rs. 4.9 lakhs.

You are paying Rs. 4 lakhs as a gold loan and LIC premiums of Rs. 50,000 yearly.

Your wife is a homemaker, and you have a 2-year-old son.

You have completed 5 years of LIC policy payments, and 10 more years remain.

This is a fair beginning. But some important changes can give you more clarity and better wealth.

Understanding Your Son’s Education Goal

Your son is 2 now. Higher education starts around 17 or 18 years.

That gives you around 15 years to plan and invest.

Education inflation in India is rising very fast every year.

A basic UG degree at a good college today may cost Rs. 15 to 25 lakhs.

A PG or professional course in India or abroad may cost Rs. 20 to 40 lakhs.

If you plan early and smartly, you can reach this amount comfortably.

Why Your LIC Policies Need Review

Your LIC policies are costing Rs. 50,000 every year.

You already paid for 5 years and have 10 more years left.

These LIC policies are most likely traditional endowment plans.

Such policies give poor returns, usually 4% to 5% per year.

This return will not beat inflation, especially education inflation.

Insurance and investment should never be mixed in one product.

Please check their surrender value now.

A Certified Financial Planner can help calculate your surrender loss and maturity.

You can then shift the amount to mutual funds to grow faster.

Action Point: Surrender the LIC policies and reinvest into mutual funds

About the Gold Loan and Its Repayment

Gold loan interest rates are usually high – between 9% and 12%.

Try to repay this loan in the next 6 to 9 months.

You may use part of your gold (if unpledged) or bonus to repay it.

Avoid renewing or extending gold loans too long.

Clearing this liability early will reduce pressure.

Why Mutual Funds Should Be Your Core Investment Tool

You have 15 years to save for your son’s education.

Mutual funds can give inflation-beating returns over long periods.

Equity mutual funds have potential to grow at 10% to 14% returns.

This can help you build a large corpus over 15 years.

Start a monthly SIP of at least Rs. 10,000 right now.

As income increases, increase SIP amount every year.

Avoid index funds. They don’t beat market averages.

Use actively managed equity funds handled by experienced fund managers.

Why You Should Choose Regular Mutual Funds through CFPs

You might think direct mutual funds save costs.

But direct funds offer no guidance or human support.

Most investors make emotional mistakes without guidance.

Regular funds, via MFDs with CFPs, offer hand-holding and planning.

You need help in goal planning, rebalancing, and SIP monitoring.

Over 15 years, a small fee saves big mistakes.

SIP Ideas for Your Child's Education Plan

Start small with Rs. 10,000 monthly SIP.

Gradually raise it by 10% every year.

Use a mix of flexi cap, large cap, and mid cap funds.

Avoid small cap now. They are volatile.

Continue SIP for at least 15 years till child turns 17.

Don't stop SIP if market falls. Continue it.

Other Investments You Can Consider Later

You already have land worth Rs. 15 lakhs.

But land is not liquid. Don’t depend on it for child’s goal.

Try to avoid real estate further. It blocks large capital.

Gold is already worth Rs. 10 lakhs. No need to add more.

Instead, add mutual funds as your core growth tool.

Build an Emergency Fund Before Anything Else

Keep at least 6 months of expenses as emergency savings.

That is about Rs. 3 lakhs, given Rs. 50,000 average monthly costs.

Use bank savings or short-term debt mutual funds for this.

This will stop you from breaking your SIP during problems.

Secure Your Family with Term Insurance

LIC endowment plans are poor for insurance.

Buy a pure term plan of Rs. 50 lakhs or more.

Term insurance is cheaper and gives better cover.

Choose term insurance till age 60 or 65.

Add a health insurance policy too if you don’t have one.

Your PF Is Not Enough for Retirement

Rs. 4.9 lakhs PF is small for retirement planning.

Don’t use PF for child’s education.

PF should grow quietly for your post-60 retirement needs.

You must build a separate corpus for retirement with SIP.

Don’t mix retirement and child goals together.

Monthly Budget and SIP Capacity

Your salary is Rs. 75,000.

Assume Rs. 15,000 goes towards household costs.

Rs. 4,000 is gold loan EMI and Rs. 4,000 LIC monthly cost.

You should still have Rs. 15,000 to 20,000 left per month.

Use Rs. 10,000 minimum for SIP in child plan.

Use another Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000 for gold loan repayment.

What Happens If You Delay Starting Now?

Delay of 3 to 5 years means less compounding.

It will need double the SIP amount later.

Start now and let compounding do the work.

Don’t wait for bonus or extra cash. Begin with what you have.

Education Goal Can Be Met Without Pressure

A monthly SIP of Rs. 10,000 growing at 11% over 15 years can reach near Rs. 40 lakhs.

If you increase SIP every year, you can reach Rs. 50 lakhs easily.

This will be enough for UG and PG in India.

If abroad education is planned, increase SIP accordingly.

Don’t break the corpus mid-way unless urgent.

Keep Education Goal Separate and Clear

Open a separate folio for your son’s education plan.

Don’t mix it with other mutual fund goals.

Use goal-based SIPs with tracking.

Every year, review the fund performance with a CFP.

Shift from equity to hybrid or debt 3 years before goal.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Don’t keep gold loan for years. Repay quickly.

Don’t expect LIC to give big money. Returns are too low.

Don’t stop SIP due to fear or temporary need.

Don’t depend on land for child education.

Don’t think PF or PPF will meet education costs.

Finally

You are on the right track with assets like land, house, and gold. But these assets won’t help much in your child’s education plan due to lack of liquidity and growth.

Mutual funds through SIP, guided by a Certified Financial Planner, will help you build a dedicated and inflation-beating education corpus for your son.

Start today. A small start is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.

Your son’s future deserves consistent investing and smart planning.

Let mutual funds work hard while you focus on your family.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

Money
Hello, I am Pankaj Shet aged 41 yrs, Currently i am having home loan of 74 lacs with total emi of 80 k. Credit card dues of around 100000/-. Currently i am drawing salary of 2 lacs. per month. I am having 29 lacs in PF, 23 lacs in NPS, 7 lacs in MF and Stocks and 5 lacs liquid cash. Kindly give me financial plan for my future and child education. I have two sons 8 and 13 years old
Ans: You’ve built a solid base with legal investments and employment. You’ve also taken on liabilities responsibly. Now let’s create a practical, step-by-step plan to strengthen your financial position, fund your children’s future, and ease your journey toward long-term stability.

Current Financial Overview
Age: 41 years

Salary: Rs?2 lakh/month

Home loan EMI: Rs?80,000/month for Rs?74 lakh

Credit card dues: Rs?1 lakh (monthly clearing required)

Assets:

PF: Rs?29 lakh

NPS: Rs?23 lakh

MF & Stocks: Rs?7 lakh (likely direct or hybrid)

Cash: Rs?5 lakh (liquid buffer)

Children: Sons aged 8 and 13

You have built up retirement assets in PF/NPS and equity exposure in stocks/Mutual Funds. Your cash buffer is also decent. But your high EMI and interest charges need urgent attention.

1. Emergency Fund Enhancement and Liquidity Management
You have Rs?5 lakh in liquid cash, which is a good foundation.

Maintain this as a formal emergency fund for 6 months of expenses.

Instead of keeping in savings account, consider ultra-short debt or liquid mutual funds.

This gives slightly better returns while providing liquidity.

Do not dip into this fund unless urgent, to avoid returning to debt.

Rising EMIs and the credit card burden make this buffer essential for financial security.

2. Credit Card Dues – Get This Under Control Now
You have Rs?1 lakh in unpaid credit card due.

This debt costs 36–48% interest yearly.

Your first action should be to clear this balance before month-end.

If needed, take a one-time relief personal loan at lower interest to clear it.

Then, pay the credit card bill fully every month to avoid charges.

This step alone can save you huge interest costs immediately.

3. Home Loan Approach – Strategically Reduce EMI Burden
Your EMI of Rs?80,000 is a large component of your monthly commitment.

Once your credit card debt is cleared, redirect surplus to EMI or investment.

Consider reducing EMI rather than tenure by refinancing, if it reduces monthly outgo.

Best option: Save lumps on prepayment when annual bonus arrives.

Even prepaying Rs 2–3 lakh per year can reduce tenure and interest significantly.

Continue with auto-debits and never let EMI slip.

Your goal is to reduce EMI pressure, freeing money for investments and stability.

4. Use PF and NPS Holdings Purposefully
You hold Rs?29 lakh in EPF and Rs?23 lakh in NPS.

These are retirement-focused and cannot be accessed easily before retirement.

PF gives assured returns and NPS offers equity exposure with tax benefits.

Continue contributing but don't rely on them for short-term goals.

Understand that NPS depends on active fund managers, so performance can vary.

These accounts should remain long-term pillars of retirement planning.

5. Credit Management – Avoiding New Debts
Your EMI already charges 40% of your monthly income.

Stop taking new loans unless absolutely needed.

Keep credit cards to one or two and pay off monthly.

Avoid using EMI options on credit cards as they come with hidden fees.

Focus on debt reduction before adding new financial commitments.

6. Build Goal-Specific Investments in Mutual Funds
You currently hold Rs?7 lakh in mutual funds and direct stocks.

Direct stocks are risky without guidance.

Equal or better returns can come from equity mutual funds with lower risk.

Begin a new monthly SIP of Rs?10,000–15,000, once credit card and EMI are manageable.

Invest through regular plans via an MFD with CFP, not direct plans.

Active funds offer professional rebalancing and behavioural support across market cycles.

Suggested principles:

Large-cap or hybrid funds for stable growth

Flexi-cap funds for core equity exposure

Mid/small-cap funds with moderate allocation for long-term growth

Review and rebalance every 6 months through your CFP.

7. Children’s Education Planning – Two Goals, Two Strategies
You have two sons aged 8 and 13. Education costs loom in the next 5–10 years.

For the 13-year-old son:

School fees now; likely college abroad option after school.

Keep education corpus in hybrid or short-term debt funds that focus on stability.

If corpus exists already, maintain it; avoid shifting prematurely to equity.

For the 8-year-old son:

Target 10–15 years for higher education corpus.

Use equity mutual funds (actively managed) through SIP

Begin SIP of Rs?5,000–7,000 per month

Around age 15–16, gradually shift to hybrid funds to conserve corpus

Keep separate folios for each child to reduce confusion and ease goal tracking.

8. Insurance – Protecting Your Family’s Future
You haven’t mentioned life or health insurance yet.

Term life insurance: You and spouse need at least 15 times annual income (Rs?60–70 lakh each).

Health insurance: Family cover of Rs?10–15 lakh to cover medical emergencies.

Critical illness rider: Adds more protection if needed.

Avoid LIC endowment or ULIP policies—they lock in money with poor returns.

Proper insurance prevents financial setback due to illness or death, protecting your family's future.

9. Leverage Tax Benefits and Financial Products
Maximise tax savings through Section 80C—present in PF, PPF, insurance premium.

Health premiums and tax exemptions on home loan interest also help reduce net tax.

As mutual fund value grows, manage taxation smartly at exit time.

Withhold earnings only as needed to minimise tax impact.

Tax-efficient planning helps free up more money for your goals.

10. Financial Review and Discipline – Build a Routine
Set a financial habit pattern:

Quarterly review with a Certified Financial Planner

Track SIP performance

Adjust asset allocation

Assess debt reduction progress

Evaluate insurance adequacy

Plan for bonus usage or big expenses

Living within means while paying down debt and investing needs careful planning and discipline.

Final Insights
You have strong savings and financial awareness. Do not let current debt hold you back.

Start here:

Pay your credit card debt immediately.

Maintain and slightly increase your liquid buffer.

Use home loan prepayments or refinancing to ease EMI pressure.

Set up monthly SIPs in active funds via CFP-led advice.

Build child-specific education funds using equity and hybrid funds.

Secure your spouse and children with proper term and health insurance.

Review and update your strategy every 6–12 months.

With steady action, you can convert current assets and income into a safe and prosperous future for yourself and your children.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |646 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 07, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Dear Madam, I was a bright student during my school days and my plan was to become a civil servant but that did not succeed even after several attempts. With the advise of my brother i went ahead and pursued Masters at a normal university in Sydney. I did internship and continued staying with my job though it wasn't my field of study. After that what came as a shock was my brother's divorce. We don't know what is the actual issue till date but I tried a lot to fix the gap by talking to his ex-wife but they were very orthodox. I couldn't see my brother suffer because he had planned and arranged so much for her. I had no choice then so i try to harm his ex-wife by spoiling her reputation thinking she will come back for him. In the mean time i got married to a girl who was her relative too thinking my wife can help us in some case but she turned out to be completely in the opposite direction. She was probably convinced by my brother's ex-wife or their relatives that she is not coming back. Even then my brother tried to go meet his ex-wife through many channels. My wife did not help him at all in any aspect. Finally the divorced happened and everything ended. Now we have sought several proposals but nothing seem to be a good fit for him. Most of the girls whom we met on matrimonial sites are fake profiles with something hidden or falsely represented. I would say my brother escaped all this. But we are worried about his life now as he is already in his 40's and he seem to be struggling for a good job and finance. He is very picky probably but doesn't talk much to all of us. Sometimes he even says the game is over so no point looking at a second marriage. My wife and he fought once when he visited us because she didn't want him in our house and she created a fight putting me in the front. After that he stopped coming to our house or see us or talk to us. Things even gets worse sometimes when her brother comes and visits us and stays at our house which my parents don't like. My parents argue that your brother was not allowed to stay for few months then how come her brother is allowed for several months. What kind of partiality is that? I feel i could not do anything for him despite the fact that he is my only brother. He is good at heart and looked after me when i went abroad financially and even came to meet me few times. I tried to send him money, gifts but he is still the same. He communicates with our parents but not with me nor my wife anymore. Kindly give us a good advise.
Ans: Your brother’s distance is not a rejection of you. It is his way of protecting himself. He went through a difficult marriage, an emotional collapse, and then watched people around him — including you — react out of desperation to fix things for him. Even though your intentions came from love, he may have associated those actions with more pain and pressure. When a person has been wounded, silence feels safer than conversation. His withdrawal simply means he is tired, not that he dislikes you.
You also need to understand that the guilt you are carrying is heavier than it needs to be. You tried to intervene in his marriage because you wanted to protect him, not because you wanted to cause harm. Looking back now, with more maturity and clarity, you see the mistakes, but at that time, you were acting out of fear and love. This is why it’s important to forgive yourself instead of punishing yourself over and over.
The conflict between your wife and your brother only added another layer of stress, because it forced you into choosing sides. Your wife reacted emotionally, your brother pulled away, your parents questioned the imbalance — and in the middle of all this, you lost your sense of peace. But their disagreements are not failures on your part. They are the natural result of people operating from insecurity, fear, and past hurt.
What needs to happen now is a shift in your role. You cannot continue trying to solve everything for everyone. You cannot carry your brother’s marriage, your wife’s fears, and your parents’ judgments all at once. It’s time to step out of the role of rescuer and step into the role of a grounded, calm brother who offers presence, not solutions.
Rebuilding your bond with your brother will not come from pushing proposals, sending gifts, or trying to fix his life. It will come from offering him emotional safety. A simple message, expressing that you are sorry for any hurt, that you care for him, and that you are available whenever he feels ready, will speak louder than any effort to arrange his future. Once you send such a message, the healthiest thing you can do is give him space. Sometimes relationships repair themselves in silence, when pressure is removed.
And for yourself, healing begins when you stop believing that every problem in the family rests on your shoulders. You have given more than enough over the years. Now you deserve emotional rest. You deserve peace. You deserve to feel like a brother, not a crisis manager.
Your brother may take time, but distance does not erase love. When he feels safe, he will come closer again. Your responsibility is not to force that moment, but to make sure you are emotionally steady and ready when it happens.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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